Mary Kay

Mary+Kay

Mary Rejoiced In Her Domestic Obligations And Happy In Restoring The Furniture In 'Thistle House ', One Of The Area's Oldest And Historical Homes, And She Proudly Embellished Her Home With Her Fondness For Flower Organizing.

MARY O'connell, ' Thistle House'-Mount-pleasant, Dundalk who died peacefully at home on August 19th trapped by her loving family was an affiliate of a well known local family who was an inspiration to many in the style that she lived her life and for the fortitude she displayed in her battle against illness during the last three years.

Aged fifty five, Mary was one of 8 youngsters of Theresa and the late Tony Donnelly who established a successful fruit distributing business, and the other half of Dan O'connell, the well-known rural supplier. Educated at Dulargy N.S. And Dun Lughaidh Secondary, Mary trained as a nurse in St. Vincent's Hospital in Dublin, qualifying in 1977.

She completed her midwifery in Altnagelvin Infirmary in Derry in 1979. Mary then worked for a period as a midwife in one of the states largest pregnancy infirmaries, the Rotunda in Dublin before moving to St. James's Infirmary where she was attached to the oncology unit.

A sense of adventure took Mary to Saudi Arabia where she worked for two years in a hospital in the capital, Jeddah. On her return from Saudi, Mary was prompted to help out in one of the family businesses, 'The Sportsmans ' on the Newry Road that the family then owned.

She relished the change in occupation and helped in building up the business. It was during her time in 'The Sportsmans ' that Mary met her husband, Dan and the couple married in Sep, 1987.

Thereafter Mary's first role was that of a mother and in helping Dan to sanction the rural supply business that he opened in his family's home at 'Thistle Cross'. Over time the business encountered many challenges eg the intrusion of the northwards link of the MI on their business, the 'Foot and Mouth ' outbreak, as well as steady fluctuations in the rural economy.but through all of these challenges Mary's unswerving religion sustained her folks.

Her love of music that was nurtured by Fr. Brendan Mcnally in the Youth Orchestra in Ravensdale, of which she was a member, was passed on to her youngsters, two of whom, John and Grace played at her funeral Mass.

Mary revelled in her domestic duties and delighted in restoring the furniture in 'Thistle House ', one of the area's oldest and important houses, and she proudly embellished her home with her fondness for flower arranging. She also enjoyed her collusion in a local book club.

Mary's strong religion which was evident for most of her life was a great comfort when her illness struck. She became more actively involved in local prayer groups, and the unselfish fashion in which she devoted her energies to the concerns of others was an inspiration to many. With her husband, Dan she made a number of pilgrimages to Medjugorje, the last at Easter, and got great contentment from the time she spent there.They had a great Medjugorje accommodation.

To several, particularly her loving family who are despondent at her passing, Mary's spirit will always endure, for they can feel her spirit as a constant presence in their lives.She was the torch that lit many lives but that light will never be extinguished for she was a noteworthy lady whose inheritance will long endure.

Mary is survived by her partner, Dan, sons, Daniel, Harry, David and John, child, Grace, mum, Teresa, brother, Andrew, sisters, Kathleen Craig, Yvonne Donnelly, Teresa Mcardle, Irene Donnelly, and Jayne Graham, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, family and chums. She was predeceased by her pa, Tony in 1993 and brother, Brian in 2005.

Having reposed at home, Mary's remains were taken to St. Brigid's Church, Kilcurry where Requiem Mass was celebrated by Very Rev. C. Mcelwee, P.P. Faughart. Bishop Gerard Clifford presided and also in attendance were Very Rev. P. Murphy, P.P. Ravensdale, Rev. F. Coll, Rev. B.. Buckley, and Rev. B. Mckenna, writes tagza.com.